The CIA World Factbook claims that almost 90% of the NZ population lives in cities. In 2006, a mere 120 people lived in Milford Sound and most of them worked in tourism or conservation. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but definitely worth the effort. Photo #3 by Gordon Wrigley

Mitre Peak is one of the most photographed and certainly iconic peaks, stretching up for over a mile (1,692 m) from the water. Milford Sound runs inland for over 9 miles (15 kilometers) and is surrounded by magnificent sheer rock faces that rise over 3,900 ft (1,200 m) on either side. Some of the famous peaks are The Elephant at 4,977 ft (1,517 m) which is supposed resemble an elephant’s head and The Lion at 4,272 ft (1,302 m) tall which is in the shape of a crouching lion. Photo #4 by Maros M r a z

‘A Steep Incline:’ Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand and one of the wettest in the world. WikiTravel put in bold print: Bring bug repellant. The sand flies here are evil. Photo #5 by Christopher Schoenbohm

Bridge on the Milford Track. The track ‘off trail’ of Milford Sound is a hiking/backpacking route, called ‘tramping’ in New Zealand; it has been called ‘The Finest Walk in the World.’ The photographer wrote, “One thing that sets this track apart from others is that the subalpine sections are fantastic too. The colors of the water and the deep trout pools are lovely.” Photo #6 by almassengale

‘The Rapture.’ The Photographer wrote, “The drive to Milford Sound is probably the prettiest in the world. The landscapes were just outrageous.” Photo #7 by Trey Ratcliff

Looking west from the portal of the Homer Tunnel (underneath Homer Saddle) into one of the valleys (Cleddau Valley) leading into Milford Sound. Note the contrast between early-winter snow white and rain-slick, dark rock Photo #10 by Ingolfson

Lush rainforests cling to these cliffs, while seals, penguins, dolphins and even whales can frequently be seen in the waters of Milford Sound. Photo #11 by Mandy Simpson

When there isn’t heavy rains, Milford Sound has two permanent waterfalls all year round, Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls. Photo #13 by JennyHuang

Even with its remote location and the long journey required from the nearest cities, the magnificent landscapes of Milford Sound draw between 550,000 and 1 million visitors per year. Photo #14 by Wikikiwiman

Milford Sound, New Zealand – analog archives 1997. The photographer stated, “Continuing with these explorations of a 19th century image making sensibility, this is what I imagine the Polynesians and then centuries later, Captain Cook and his crew saw when they finally arrived at New Zealand after all those miles of wide open seas.” Photo #16 by Anjan Chatterjee

This photo was attached with a note saying, “I’m On A Plane (Somewhere between Queenstown & Milford Sound).” Photo #17 by Jonas Seaman

Deep in the South of New Zealand. The Photographer noted, “The weather was crazy the whole time! It would go from sunny to violent little storms to random winds to perfect calm. During one of those transition periods, I was halfway to Milford Sound by this beautiful little lake when this rainbow peeked out.” Photo #18 by Trey Ratcliff

According to the photographer, “There are many neat suspension bridges on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks. Most have a maximum load and shake pretty badly when you cross them.” Photo #20 by Helen via Or Hitch

Spectacular scenery. Wikipedia states: A spill of 13,000 liters of diesel fuel was discovered in 2004, resulting in a 2-kilometer oil spill which closed the sound for two days while intensive cleanup activities were completed. Apparently a hose was used to displace the fuel from the tanks of one of the tour vessels, and various government officials claimed it appeared to be an act of ecoterrorism motivated by rising numbers of tourists to the park, though more details did not become known. The spill has been removed and damage to the park’s wildlife appears to have been minimal. Photo #29 by Zélande BY Olywyer

Some sections of Milford Track carry over wetlands. This boardwalk on a pretty bog is part of a little educational side-trail shortly before arriving at the huts for the end of the first day of the (Freedom Walker’s) track. Photo #38 by Ingolfson

Thank you so much for bringing these STUNNING Milford photos together! I have a goal to walk the Milford Track with my husband in 2013. One of these photos is now the desktop image on my computer, to keep me inspired to achieve this goal.